A SISTER TO HONOR

Lucy Ferriss has been writing fiction, poetry, and literary criticism for many years. In addition to six previous novels—including The Lost Daughter—and a collection of short fiction, she has also published a work of literary criticism and dozens of short stories, poems, articles, essays, and book reviews. She currently teaches at Trinity College and lives in Connecticut and the Massachusetts Berkshires.

“Vivid, compelling…Afia and her brother Shahid live between two worlds—their traditional family in rural Pakistan, and New England’s liberal college culture…Lucy Ferris’s nuanced insight enables us to see this story from all sides—a rare achievement.” —Claire Messud, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman Upstairs and The Emperor’s Children

“A collision of cultures between star-crossed lovers redefines the meaning of honor in this modern-day literary thriller. Once again, Lucy Ferriss has delivered a bold and engaging novel, one you¹ll find impossible to put down.” —A. Manette Ansay, author of Vinegar Hill and Good Things I Wish You

“A wrenching story of Pakistani siblings struggling to adapt their expectations of love and trust to an entirely different American context where a Facebook post can lead to betrayal and the destruction of an entire family a world away. The story is told with compassion and insight into the traditions of both societies. I couldn’t put it down.” —Jenny White, author of The Sultan’s Seal

“A Sister to Honor is a powerful exploration of faith, family, and the deep cultural divides that threaten to destroy these in our modern world. Ferriss has written a remarkable novel that strikes the perfect balance between the global and the personal.” —Ivy Pochoda, author of Visitation Street

1. The book opens with the Pashtun proverb “Woman is the lamp of the family.” What do you think this means? Do you agree with the sentiment expressed?

2. Were you familiar with traditional Pakistani culture before reading A Sister to Honor? Did any aspects of it surprise you?

3. Throughout the book, Afia’s family seems conflicted about the Westernization of their children. On the one hand, they take pride when their children succeed in America; on the other, they hold disdain for the host country. What are some examples of this paradox? Do you sympathize with this contradiction or are you frustrated by it?

4. In chapter 13, Shahid claims Afia commits a “lie of omission” by not telling him about her relationship with Gus. Do you believe that omitting information is the same as telling a lie? Are there certain circumstances where it’s understandable to withhold information?

5. Pakistani women are expected to maintain a strict modesty, especially when compared to the behavior of the American girls in this novel. How are American girls, such as Afia’s roommates, Patty and Taylor, characterized? Do you think this is an accurate depiction?

6. Discuss how the concept of honor plays a role in the novel. What authorities define honor? Which characters do you think were honorable—or to the contrary, dishonorable?

7. In Chapter 16, Coach Lissy states, “Your people are not the only ones concerned with honor.” While cultural dissimilarities prevail more often than not in A Sister to Honor, there are similarities to be found between characters and cultures. What are some other instances of this? Why do you think the author included these comparisons rather than solely focusing on clashes between cultures?

8. Throughout the novel, Shahid and Afia compare their life in America to what they’ve seen in American movies. Based on your experiences, do you think mainstream movies are an accurate representation of American society or is the portrait misleading? Do American films romanticize love and sex?

9. The American judicial system and pashtunwali, the code of the Pashtuns, have very different ideas about who has the right to judge an action and punish a crime. Compare these two systems. What are the flaws and benefits of each?

10. The phrase “You’re in America now” is used several times to counter Shahid and Afia’s defense of their Pashtun customs. Do you think they should have sacrificed their traditions and adapted? To what extent?

11. Despite the heavy focus on honor, it is love that seems to drive some of the riskiest actions and largest sacrifices in this book. Can you think of any examples of this?

12. The Pakistani women in A Sister to Honor are expected to have an arranged marriage. What do you think of this custom? Would you marry for anything other than love?

13. Who has power in A Sister to Honor, and why—is it money, gender, or position? How do characters use their power, and what limits or weakens them? Are there characters who are completely powerless?